WELCOME TO TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY. International Student Pre- Orientation Information Student Visa Regulations. Fall 2015

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1 WELCOME TO TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY International Student Pre- Orientation Information Student Visa Regulations Fall 2015

2 IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS STAYING LEGAL IN THE UNITED STATES

3 Immigration Regulations Who makes the rules? USCIS: U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (formerly called Immigration or the INS) is the U.S. Government entity that regulates international visitors to the U.S. USCIS regulations are the rules that you comply with in order to maintain you legal status in the U.S. This PowerPoint is just an overview. For more detailed information, see our webpage on Maintaining Student Status.

4 MAINTAINING YOUR F-1/J-1 LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS You can only attend the school that issued your I-20. If you transfer to Truman from another school, you must get a new I-20 from Truman. Do not begin any non-truman courses without first consulting the International Office. You can work ONLY on campus: no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, no more than 39 hours per week during breaks. You should NOT rely on working to support yourself at Truman. Maintain a full course of study each semester. (12 credit hours for undergraduates) (9 hours for graduates) Do not drop below full time without getting permission from the International Student Advisor.

5 MAINTAINING YOUR F-1/J-1 LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS Know that exceptions to the minimum 12 credit hour per semester rule are very limited and only the International Student Advisor can determine if you meet the exceptions. Plan to take at least 12 credit hours each semester. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Unfamiliarity with the American teaching methods (allowed during first semester only) 2. Problems with the English language (allowed during first semester only) 3. Improper course placement 4. In final semester and the student needs less than 12 credit hours to graduate

6 MAINTAINING YOUR F-1/J-1 LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS Maintain a valid passport at least 6 months into the future. Instructions for renewal of your passport are available from your embassy at Come to the International Students Affairs Office at least three weeks before you plan to travel abroad to request a travel endorsement on your I-20/DS-2019 in order to be allowed to reenter the U.S.

7 MAINTAINING YOUR F-1/J-1 LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS DO NOT WORK ILLEGALLY. You may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week without permission from the USCIS. You may not work off-campus without a work permit. You may apply for an off-campus work permit only after you have been a full time student at Truman for 2 semesters. Do not work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. On-campus employment up to 39 hours per week is allowed during school breaks and holidays.

8 MAINTAINING YOUR F-1/J-1 LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS If you have a work permit, you are only allowed 20 hours per week TOTAL of employment when enrolled in class. You may work fulltime during breaks and holidays. Understand ANY unauthorized work could cause your legal status to be terminated and require your immediate departure from the US. If you want to engage in work about which you are unsure, you must contact the ISAO for confirmation that it is allowed before you begin work. Report any change of address within 10 days to the International Student Affairs Office immediately. It is the law.

9 MAINTAINING YOUR F-1/J-1 LEGAL IMMIGRATION STATUS Carry your passport, I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 with you at all times while traveling outside of Kirksville. This is proof of your legal status in the U.S. You will not normally need those documents for general traveling purposes, but if you have any kind of legal trouble, you will need them. Make copies of your passport to carry with you. J-1 students must have valid health insurance at all times. Notify the ISAO of changes in funding, change of major, and other major updates to your status and request a new I-20/DS

10 MAINTAINING YOUR LEGAL STATUS IS UP TO YOU! The ISAO is responsible for making sure that you have the information you need to make responsible decisions regarding the maintenance of your student status. The ISAO is not, however, responsible for the decisions you make. If you violate your immigration status, the consequences could be severe. Termination of your status would require you to immediately leave the United States.

11 REQUESTING TRANSFER I-20S If you are transferring to Truman from another U.S. school or from TLC, you will need a new I-20. You must provide your Truman acceptance letter to your current international office and ask them to transfer your SEVIS record. It is illegal for you to study at Truman if you have not transferred your SEVIS record.

12 BREAKING ANY OF THESE LAWS IS TAKEN U.S. LAWS EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY AND CAN RESULT IN YOU Drinking there is no alcohol allowed anywhere on Truman s campus, including the residence halls. You must be 21 to legally drink alcohol. If you are caught drinking under the age of 21, or providing alcohol to underage people, you will face very serious legal consequences. Never drive while drunk or high. You will face time in jail, lose your license, and could face removal from the United States. LOSING YOUR LEGAL PERMISSION TO REMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES! Marijuana is illegal in the State of Missouri. Being caught with it will result in expensive fines and possible jail time. It is against the law for anyone over the age of 18 to have sexual relations with anyone under the age of 18. This is automatically considered rape and will result in going to jail. By law you must always wear a seatbelt while driving and have a valid license. Breaking these laws results in expensive fines.